10 awards for Tirlán cheese
10 awards for Tirlán cheese
Our Cheddar was honoured at the 2025 International Cheese & Dairy Awards!
We’re delighted to share that Tirlán was awarded 10 medals at the 2025 International Cheese & Dairy Awards, an event that drew over 4,700 entries from across the globe — making it one of the most competitive years yet.
Among the highlights, cheddar produced by Tirlán at our Ballyragget facility earned two of the top honours at the event:
- The Kerrygold Cup – awarded for the Best Cheddar in Ireland
- The DSM Trophy – awarded for the Best Vintage Cheddar
This achievement is a true testament to the quality, care and expertise behind our products.
A special thanks to Gerry Warren, our expert Cheese Grader, whose expert selection played a key role in this success.
Bringing Ingredients to Life
Bringing Ingredients to Life
Our Ingredients Team shines at IFT FIRST in Chicago
Our Ingredients team recently returned to Chicago for their second appearance at the IFT FIRST (Food Improved by Research Science and Technology) tradeshow, one of North America’s largest gatherings of science and ingredient professionals. With over 1,000 exhibitors and 17,000+ attendees, the event offered a dynamic platform to explore innovation, connect with industry leaders and showcase Tirlán’s cutting-edge ingredient solutions.
Representing both our Dairy and Oatstanding™ portfolios, the team engaged new and existing customers with a range of interactive samples that brought our ingredients to life. The presence of colleagues from Sales, Marketing, Category and R&D highlighted the power of cross-functional collaboration and the strength of our unified approach.
Their efforts not only elevated Tirlán’s visibility, but also reinforced our commitment to innovation and partnership in the global ingredients space. Well done to all involved.
Supporting our farming community
Supporting our farming community
Tirlán donated €5,000 to Embrace FARM for this year’s Farm Safety Week
As part of our ongoing commitment to the wellbeing of our farming community, we were proud to support Farm Safety Week, which took place on the 21st – 25th July. This week offered a vital opportunity to highlight the importance of farm safety, prevent accidents and promote awareness of key risks on farms.
We urged farmers to prioritise farm safety every day and delivered a €5,000 donation to support the charity Embrace FARM on Farm Safety Week 2025.
The donation, presented at our Abbey Quarter Collaboration Hub, will directly support the organisation’s expanding services for over 600 families nationwide. Embrace FARM is Ireland’s leading support network for farm families affected by sudden death and serious injury.
John Murphy, Tirlán Chairperson, said: “On Farm Safety Week, we’re urging our suppliers to look at their farm with fresh eyes and ensure their workplace environment is as safe as possible every single day of the year to protect them and their families.”
“Behind every statistic that we hear about in the news, there is a family. Embrace FARM provides help and strength to these families during the darkest times. Our Co-op is supporting the organisation on behalf of our farmers with much needed funding in 2025 just as we have in years past.”
Founded by Tirlán suppliers Brian and Norma Rohan, Embrace FARM has grown into a vital support system for families navigating the aftermath of farm tragedies. From one-to-one counselling and peer support groups to legal and financial consultations, the organisation provides tailored care to those facing life-altering events.
Lisa Tierney, Communications Support Coordinator at Embrace FARM, added: “Each family’s journey is as unique as the loss they’ve faced. The continued support from Tirlán helps us walk beside them in that journey, on their terms and in their time. It’s more than financial support, it’s a partnership built on compassion and shared values.”
With the average cost of support per family totalling €2,165, consistent funding is critical – especially in agriculture, which remains Ireland’s most dangerous workplace sector. This year’s funding will help Embrace FARM expand its expert-led services and reach even more families in need.
Peddling for hope
Peddling for hope
Our Tour de Tirlán team are pedalling for hope, one charity at a time
Each September, the Tour de Tirlán brings together colleagues from across Tirlán to cycle for a cause and the impact of those efforts is nothing short of extraordinary. Since its launch 12 years ago, the annual charity cycle has raised over €476,000 for local and national charities, transforming lives and communities across Ireland.
Last year, one of our chosen charities was the Aiséirí Aislinn Centre in Ballyragget, a residential treatment centre supporting teenagers aged 14-18 who are struggling with addiction. Thanks to the funds raised by our employees, the centre was able to install a new heating system, upgrade gym equipment and improve lighting in their PE room creating a warmer, more welcoming space for young people on their journey to recovery.
When Barbara Brown and Marypaula Kelly visited the centre, they were deeply moved by what they saw. “I was blown away by the warmth of the people working there and the young boys themselves,” Barbara shared. “It reminded me of the Father McGrath Centre, full of hope, healing and heart.” She described the centre as a lifeline for teens who often arrive with nothing, many of whom have faced poverty, trauma and a lack of role models. With early intervention and the right support, the outcomes can be life-changing.
This year, the Tour de Tirlán committee has set an ambitious goal: to raise €85,000 in support of three incredible charities – our charity partner Aware, the Fr. McGrath Centre Kilkenny and the Amber Women’s Refuge. This year’s charity cycle takes place on Friday, 5th September, and offers four route options, including a 45km eBike-friendly route for those who want to join the fun without owning a bike.
Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just looking for a bit of craic, there’s a place for everyone. So, why not saddle up and be part of something bigger? Your participation helps fund vital services and brings hope to those who need it most.
Register now and join us in making a difference, one kilometre at a time.
Bike hire
Tour de Tirlán 2025 will take place on Friday, 5th September, offering a range of cycling routes: 45km, 100km, 140km, and 185km to suit all levels. Participants can now opt to complete the 45km route using an eBike, available for hire at €30 by contacting Barbara Browne at bbrowne@tirlan.ie.
Dates for your diary
An information session will be held on Thursday, 7th August at 10am, and weekly training spins are now taking place every Wednesday to support those preparing for the 45km and 100km routes.
Register by August 15th to guarantee a jersey
Powering Ballyragget
Powering Ballyragget
We’ve turned the sod on our solar farm to power our largest production facility
We are delighted to officially commence work on a major renewable energy project at our largest, multi-purpose integrated dairy facility in Ballyragget.
The 6.5 hectare, 8 MWp ground-mounted solar farm is being delivered in partnership with ESB’s Smart Energy Services and is expected to be completed in early 2026. It will reduce the site’s carbon footprint and its reliance on grid electricity. The solar farm will be a “behind-the-meter” self-generation project, meaning all energy produced will be consumed directly at the Ballyragget facility.
Well done to all involved in this project to date especially the Ops and Supply Chain, Ballyragget Operations, ESG, Procurement and Engineering teams.